U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration

Advisory Circular

Subject: Heliport Design Date: Draft Initiated By: AAS-100

AC No: 150/5390-2D Change:

1 Purpose. 1 This advisory circular (AC) provides standards for the planning, design and 2 construction of heliports serving helicopters with single, tandem (front and rear) or dual 3 (side by side) rotors. 4

2 Cancellation. 5 This AC cancels AC 150/5390-2C, Heliport Design, dated April 24, 2012. 6

3 Applicability. 7 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends the standards and guidelines 8 in this AC for uniformity in planning, design and construction of heliports. This AC 9 does not constitute a regulation, is not mandatory and is not legally binding in its own 10 right. This AC will not be relied upon as a separate basis by the FAA for affirmative 11 enforcement action or other administrative penalty. Conformity with this AC is 12 voluntary, and nonconformity will not affect rights and obligations under existing 13 statutes and regulations, except for the projects described in subparagraphs 2, 3 and 4 14 below: 15

The standards and guidelines contained in this AC are practices the FAA 16 recommends for establishing an acceptable level of safety, performance and 17 operation for heliports. 18

Use of these standards and guidelines is mandatory for projects funded under 19 Federal grant assistance programs, including without limitation the Airport 20 Improvement Program (AIP) and CARES Act Airport Grants program. See Grant 21 Assurance #34. 22

This AC is mandatory, as required by regulation, for projects funded by the 23 Passenger Facility Charge program. See PFC Assurance #9. 24

This AC has no applicability under Title 14 Code of the Federal Regulations (CFR) 25 Part 139 due to an exemption for heliport operators per § 139.1(c)(5). 26

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Other federal agencies, states, or other authorities having jurisdiction over the 27 construction of heliports not funded with AIP, Cares Act, or PFC funds have 28 discretion in establishing the extent to which these standards apply. 29

4 Related Documents. 30 ACs and Orders referenced in the text of this AC do not include a revision letter, as they 31 refer to the latest version. See Appendix D for a list of associated publications. 32

5 Principal Changes. 33 The AC incorporates the following principal changes: 34

Complete reorganization of this AC, including: 35 a. Consolidated Chapters 2, 3 and 4 (General Aviation, Transport, and Hospital 36

heliport chapters, respectively) into Chapter 2. 37 b. Consolidated Chapter 7 (Heliport Gradients and Pavement Design) into 38

Chapter 2. 39 c. Included a separate Chapter 3 on Heliport Taxiways, Taxi Routes, and 40

Helicopter Parking. 41 d. Included a separate Chapter 4 on Heliport Markings and Lighting. 42 e. Included a separate Chapter 7 on Heliport Site Safety Elements. 43 f. Incorporated Engineering Brief #87, Heliport Perimeter Light for Visual 44

Meteorological Conditions, into this AC to address specific heliport lighting 45 requirements. Heliport lighting design requirements are included in Appendix F. 46

Revised figures and tables to correspond with the design requirements and 47 dimensions for General Aviation, Transport, and Hospital heliports. 48

Enhanced the figures to include dimensional, layout, and offset requirements. 49 Updated the format of the document and made minor editorial changes throughout. 50 Included a heliport evaluation process flow chart in Appendix E. 51

Hyperlinks (allowing the reader to access documents located on the internet and to 52 maneuver within this document) are provided throughout this document and are 53 identified with underlined text. When navigating within this document, return to the 54 previously viewed page by pressing the “ALT” and “ ←” keys simultaneously. 55 Figures in this document are general representations and are not to scale. Colors and 56 shading used in the figures are illustrative only. Guidance on specific heliport markings 57 is provided in Chapter 4. 58

6 Use of Metrics. 59 Throughout this AC, U.S. customary units are used followed with “soft” (rounded) 60 conversion to metric units. The U.S. customary units govern. 61

https://www.faa.gov/airports/engineering/engineering_briefs/media/EB-87.pdf

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7 Where to Find this AC. 62 You can view a list of all ACs at 63 https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/advisory_circulars/. You can view the Federal 64 Aviation Regulations at https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/faa_regulations/. 65

8 Feedback on this AC. 66 If you have suggestions for improving this AC, you may use the Advisory Circular 67 Feedback form at the end of this AC. 68

John R. Dermody Director of Airport Safety and Standards

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CHAPTER 1. Introduction ....................................................................................................... 1-1 69 1.1 Background. .................................................................................................................. 1-1 70 1.2 General. ......................................................................................................................... 1-1 71 1.3 Facilities. ....................................................................................................................... 1-1 72 1.4 Planning. ....................................................................................................................... 1-2 73 1.5 Existing Heliports. ........................................................................................................ 1-2 74 1.6 Location. ....................................................................................................................... 1-2 75 1.7 AC Organization. .......................................................................................................... 1-2 76 1.8 Explanation of Terms. ................................................................................................... 1-4 77 1.9 Selection of Approach/Departure Paths. ....................................................................... 1-9 78 1.10 Notification Requirements. ......................................................................................... 1-10 79 1.11 Hazards to Air Navigation. ......................................................................................... 1-14 80 1.12 Federal Assistance. ..................................................................................................... 1-17 81 1.13 Environmental Impact Analyses. ................................................................................ 1-17 82 1.14 Terminal Facilities Design Considerations. ................................................................ 1-17 83 1.15 Zoning for Compatible Land Use. .............................................................................. 1-18 84 1.16 Access to Heliports by Individuals with Disabilities. ................................................. 1-18 85 1.17 State Role. ................................................................................................................... 1-19 86 1.18 Local Role. .................................................................................................................. 1-19 87 1.19 Related Referenced Material. ...................................................................................... 1-19 88

CHAPTER 2. Heliport Design .................................................................................................. 2-1 89 2.1 General. ......................................................................................................................... 2-1 90 2.2 Prior Permission Required (PPR) Facilities. ................................................................. 2-1 91 2.3 Design Approach. ......................................................................................................... 2-1 92 2.4 Access by Individuals with Disabilities. ....................................................................... 2-2 93 2.5 Heliport Site Selection. ................................................................................................. 2-4 94 2.6 TLOF/FATO and Safety Area Relationships. .............................................................. 2-6 95 2.7 Touchdown and Liftoff Area (TLOF). .......................................................................... 2-7 96 2.8 Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO). ............................................................... 2-15 97

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2.9 Safety Area. ................................................................................................................. 2-19 98 2.10 Fall Protection and Safety Net Design. ....................................................................... 2-22 99 2.11 Pavement Design and Soil Stabilization. .................................................................... 2-23 100 2.12 VFR Approach/Departure Paths. ................................................................................ 2-26 101 2.13 Heliport Protection Zone (HPZ). ................................................................................ 2-32 102 2.14 Wind Cone. ................................................................................................................. 2-33 103

CHAPTER 3. Heliport Taxiways, Taxi Routes, and Helicopter Parking ............................ 3-1 104 3.1 General. ......................................................................................................................... 3-1 105 3.2 Taxiways and Taxi Routes. ........................................................................................... 3-1 106 3.3 Taxiway/Taxi Route Widths. ........................................................................................ 3-1 107 3.4 Taxiway Surfaces. ......................................................................................................... 3-6 108 3.5 Taxiway and Taxi Route Gradients. ............................................................................. 3-6 109 3.6 Helicopter Parking. ....................................................................................................... 3-6 110 3.7 Parking Position Sizes................................................................................................. 3-13 111 3.8 Walkways. ................................................................................................................... 3-15 112 3.9 Fueling. ....................................................................................................................... 3-15 113 3.10 Tiedowns. .................................................................................................................... 3-15 114

CHAPTER 4. Heliport Markings and Lighting...................................................................... 4-1 115 4.1 General. ......................................................................................................................... 4-1 116 4.2 Heliport Retroreflective Markers and Markings. .......................................................... 4-1 117 4.3 Standard Heliport Identification Marking. .................................................................... 4-1 118 4.4 TLOF and FATO Markings. ......................................................................................... 4-5 119 4.5 Extended Pavement/Structure Markings for GENERAL AVIATION and 120

HOSPITAL Heliports. .................................................................................................. 4-9 121 4.6 FATO Perimeter Markings. .......................................................................................... 4-9 122 4.7 Flight Path Alignment Guidance Marking. ................................................................. 4-10 123 4.8 Taxiway and Taxi Route Markings. ............................................................................ 4-11 124 4.9 Helicopter Parking Position Markings. ....................................................................... 4-12 125 4.10 Walkways. ................................................................................................................... 4-13 126 4.11 Closed Heliport. .......................................................................................................... 4-13 127

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4.12 Marking Sizes. ............................................................................................................ 4-14 128 4.13 Heliport Lighting. ....................................................................................................... 4-14 129

CHAPTER 5. Helicopter Facilities on Airports...................................................................... 5-1 130 5.1 General. ......................................................................................................................... 5-1 131 5.2 Touchdown and Liftoff Area (TLOF). .......................................................................... 5-1 132 5.3 On-Airport Location of Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO). ........................... 5-1 133 5.4 Safety Area. ................................................................................................................... 5-3 134 5.5 VFR Approach/Departure Paths. .................................................................................. 5-3 135 5.6 Heliport Protection Zone (HPZ). .................................................................................. 5-3 136 5.7 Taxiways and Taxi Routes. ........................................................................................... 5-3 137 5.8 Helicopter Parking. ....................................................................................................... 5-3 138 5.9 Security. ........................................................................................................................ 5-4 139

CHAPTER 6. Instrument Operations ..................................................................................... 6-1 140 6.1 General. ......................................................................................................................... 6-1 141 6.2 Planning. ....................................................................................................................... 6-2 142 6.3 Airspace. ....................................................................................................................... 6-2 143 6.4 Final Approach Reference Area (FARA). .................................................................... 6-2 144 6.5 Improved Instrument Lighting System. ........................................................................ 6-3 145 6.6 Obstacle Evaluation Surfaces. ...................................................................................... 6-7 146 6.7 Visual Glideslope Indicators (VGSI). ........................................................................... 6-7 147

CHAPTER 7. Heliport Site Safety Elements .......................................................................... 7-1 148 7.1 General. ......................................................................................................................... 7-1 149 7.2 Marking and Lighting of Difficult-To-See Objects. ..................................................... 7-1 150 7.3 Safety Considerations. .................................................................................................. 7-4 151

Appendix A. Emergency Helicopter Landing Facilities (EHLF) ........................................ A-1 152 A.1 General. ........................................................................................................................ A-1 153 A.2 Notification and Coordination. .................................................................................... A-1 154 A.3 Rooftop Emergency Facilities. ..................................................................................... A-1 155 A.4 Medical Emergency Sites. ........................................................................................... A-4 156

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Appendix B. Helicopter Data ..................................................................................................B-1 157

Appendix C. Dimensions for Marking Size and Weight Limitations ................................. C-1 158

Appendix D. Associated Publications and Resources .......................................................... D-1 159 D.1 Current Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (e-CFRs) are available from the 160

Government Printing Office website https://www.ecfr.gov/. ...................................... D-1 161 D.2 Airport Advisory Circulars are available at the Airports website 162

https://faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/. ................................................ D-1 163

Appendix E. Heliport Evaluation Process Flow Chart .........................................................E-1 164

Appendix F. Design Requirements for Heliport Perimeter Lighting .................................. F-1 165 F.1 Elevated and In-pavement Omnidirectional Helipad Perimeter Light. ........................ F-1 166 F.2 Photometric Requirements. ........................................................................................... F-2 167 F.3 Additional Heliport Perimeter Light Requirements. ..................................................... F-2 168 F.4 L-860HR and L-860HS Light Fixture Testing. ............................................................ F-3 169 F.5 Installation Criteria. ...................................................................................................... F-3 170

FIGURES 171

Figure 1-1. FAA Form 7480-1, Notice for Construction, Alteration and Deactivation of Airports172 .................................................................................................................................. 1-11 173

Figure 1-2. Example of a Heliport Layout Plan ......................................................................... 1-12 174 Figure 1-3. Example of a Heliport Location Map ...................................................................... 1-13 175 Figure 1-4. Offsite Development Requiring Notice to the FAA ............................................... 1-16 176 Figure 2-1. GENERAL AVIATION Heliport - Basic Features .................................................. 2-2 177 Figure 2-2. TRANSPORT Heliport -- Basic Features ................................................................. 2-3 178 Figure 2-3. HOSPITAL Heliport (Ground-Level) – Basic Features ........................................... 2-4 179 Figure 2-4. TLOF/FATO/Safety Area Relationships and Minimum Dimensions ..................... 2-6 180 Figure 2-5. Heliport Gradients and Rapid Runoff Shoulder ...................................................... 2-10 181 Figure 2-6. Elongated TLOF and FATO with Two Takeoff Positions ...................................... 2-11 182

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Figure 2-7. Elevated Heliport: GENERAL AVIATION and HOSPITAL ................................ 2-13 183 Figure 2-8. Elevated Heliport: TRANSPORT ........................................................................... 2-14 184 Figure 2-9. Additional FATO Length for Heliports at Higher Elevations ................................ 2-17 185 Figure 2-10. Non-load-bearing FATO and Safety Area over Water: GENERAL AVIATION 2-21 186 Figure 2-11. Non-load-bearing Safety Area over Water: TRANSPORT .................................. 2-22 187 Figure 2-12. Helicopter Landing Gear Loading: Gradients and Pavement ............................... 2-24 188 Figure 2-13. VFR Heliport Approach/Departure and Transitional Surfaces ............................. 2-26 189 Figure 2-14. VFR Curved Approach/Departure and Transitional Surfaces – GENERAL 190

AVIATION and TRANSPORT Heliports ............................................................... 2-27 191 Figure 2-15. VFR Heliport Lateral Extension of the 8:1 Approach / Departure Surface .......... 2-29 192 Figure 2-16. VFR HOSPITAL and PPR Heliport Lateral Extension of the Curved 8:1 Approach / 193

Departure Surface ................................................................................................... 2-31 194 Figure 2-17. Flight Path Alignment Marking and Lights ........................................................ 2-32 195 Figure 2-18. Heliport Protection Zone (HPZ) ............................................................................ 2-34 196 Figure 3-1. Taxiway/Taxi Route Relationship – Paved Taxiway ................................................ 3-2 197 Figure 3-2. Taxiway/Taxi Route Relationship – Unpaved Taxiway with Elevated Retroreflective 198

Edge Markers ............................................................................................................. 3-3 199 Figure 3-3. Taxiway/Taxi Route Relationship – Unpaved Taxiway with In-Pavement 200

Retroreflective Edge Markers .................................................................................... 3-4 201 Figure 3-4. Hover Taxi Area ........................................................................................................ 3-5 202 Figure 3-5. Typical Parking Area Design – “Taxi-through” Parking Positions. ......................... 3-7 203 Figure 3-6. Typical Parking Area Design – “Turn-around” Parking Positions ........................... 3-8 204 Figure 3-7. Typical Parking Area Design – “Back-out” Parking Positions ................................. 3-9 205 Figure 3-8. “Turn-around” Parking Position Marking ............................................................... 3-11 206 Figure 3-9. “Taxi-through” and “Back-out” Parking Position Marking .................................... 3-12 207 Figure 3-10. Parking Position Identification, Size, and Weight Limitations – Paved Areas ..... 3-14 208 Figure 4-1. Standard TLOF Markings ......................................................................................... 4-3 209 Figure 4-2. Standard Heliport Identification Symbol, TLOF Size and Weight Limitations ....... 4-4 210 Figure 4-3. HOSPITAL Heliport – Alternative Identification Marking ...................................... 4-5 211 Figure 4-4. Paved TLOF/Paved FATO – Paved TLOF/ Unpaved FATO – Marking: 212

TRANSPORT Heliports and Other Heliports with a Paved TLOF ........................... 4-6 213 Figure 4-5. Unpaved TLOF/Unpaved FATO – Marking: GENERAL AVIATION and 214

HOSPITAL Heliports ................................................................................................ 4-7 215

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Figure 4-6. Extended Pavement / Structure Marking: GENERAL AVIATION and HOSPITAL 216 Heliports ................................................................................................................... 4-10 217

Figure 4-7. Marking a Closed Heliport ...................................................................................... 4-14 218 Figure 4-8. Elevated TLOF – Perimeter Lighting ..................................................................... 4-16 219 Figure 4-9. TLOF/FATO Perimeter Lighting ............................................................................ 4-17 220 Figure 4-10. TLOF In-pavement and FATO Elevated Perimeter Lighting ............................... 4-18 221 Figure 4-11. FATO Elevation .................................................................................................... 4-20 222 Figure 4-12. Landing Direction Lights. ..................................................................................... 4-22 223 Figure 5-1. Example of Heliport Facilities Located on an Airport .............................................. 5-2 224 Figure 6-1. FARA/FATO Relationship: Precision Instrument Procedure ................................... 6-3 225 Figure 6-2. Heliport Instrument Lighting System (HILS): Non-precision .................................. 6-5 226 Figure 6-3. Heliport Approach Lighting System ......................................................................... 6-6 227 Figure 6-4. Visual Glideslope Indicator (VGSI) Siting and Clearance Criteria .......................... 6-8 228 Figure 7-1. Airspace Where Heliport Marking and Lighting are Recommended: Straight 229

Approach .................................................................................................................... 7-2 230 Figure 7-2. Airspace Where Heliport Marking and Lighting are Recommended: Curved 231

Approach .................................................................................................................... 7-3 232 Figure 7-3. Heliport Caution Sign ............................................................................................... 7-5 233

Figure A-1. Rooftop Emergency Landing Facility ..................................................................... A-2 234

Figure B-1. Helicopter Dimensions ............................................................................................ B-2 235

Figure C-1. Form and Proportions of 36-inch (91 cm) Numbers for Marking Size and Weight 236 Limitations ................................................................................................................ C-1 237

Figure C-2. Form and Proportions of 18-inch (45.7 cm) Numbers for Marking Size and Weight 238 Limitation .................................................................................................................. C-2 239

Figure F-1. Perimeter Light Intensity Distribution ...................................................................... F-2 240

TABLES 241

Table 2-1. TLOF/FATO Minimum Dimensions1 ....................................................................... 2-7 242 Table 2-2. Minimum Dimensions for Elongated FATO with Two Takeoff Positions .............. 2-12 243 Table 2-3. TLOF Elevation and Configuration of Rooftop and other Elevated Heliports ........ 2-12 244

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Table 2-4. Minimum VFR Safety Area Width as a Function of Heliport Markings GENERAL 245 AVIATION and PPR Heliports ............................................................................... 2-19 246

Table 2-5. Minimum VFR Safety Area Width as a Function of Heliport Markings HOSPITAL 247 Heliports ................................................................................................................... 2-20 248

Table 2-6. Differences in Safety Net Design for Rooftop and Elevated Heliports .................... 2-23 249 Table 3-1. Taxiway/Taxi Route Dimensions – GENERAL AVIATION, TRANSPORT, and 250

HOSPITAL Heliports ................................................................................................ 3-5 251 Table 4-1. FATO Perimeter Light Design ................................................................................. 4-19 252 Table 5-1. Recommended Distance between FATO Center to Runway Centerline for VFR 253

Operations .................................................................................................................. 5-3 254 Table 6-1. Standards for Instrument Approach Procedures ......................................................... 6-1 255 Table B-1. Helicopter Data ......................................................................................................... B-3 256

Table F-1. Helicopter Approach Angles Assuming VMC ........................................................... F-1 257 Table F-2. Perimeter Lighting Intensity Recommendations ........................................................ F-2 258

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CHAPTER 1. Introduction 259

1.1 Background. 260 Section 103 of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958 states in part, “In the exercise and 261 performance of his power and duties under this Act, the Secretary of Transportation 262 shall consider the following, among other things, as being in the public interest: (a) The 263 regulation of air commerce in such manner as to best promote its development and 264 safety and fulfill the requirements of defense; (b) The promotion, encouragement, and 265 development of civil aeronautics . . .” This public charge, in effect, requires the 266 development and maintenance of a national system of safe heliports. Using the 267 standards and recommendations contained in this publication in the design of heliports 268 supports this public charge. 269 These standards and recommendations do not limit or regulate the operations of 270 helicopters, aircraft or heliports. When it is not feasible to meet the standards and 271 recommendations in this AC, consult with the appropriate offices of the Federal 272 Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Airports and Flight Standards Service to 273 identify possible adjustments to operational procedures that will accommodate heliport 274 operations to the maximum extent. 275 The guidance provided in this AC is limited to heliports and helicopter operations. This 276 guidance does not address landing areas for or operations by vertical takeoff and 277 landing (VTOL) aircraft or unmanned aircraft. 278

1.2 General. 279 This chapter provides: 280

• an explanation of terms used in this AC, 281 • notification responsibilities of heliport proponents to FAA, 282 • general heliport siting guidance, and 283 • sources of technical information relating to planning and design of a civil heliport. 284

1.3 Facilities. 285 Most heliports are not large and elaborate. A minimal facility may be adequate as a 286 private use prior permission required (PPR) heliport (see Appendix A) and may serve as 287 the initial phase in the development of a public use heliport capable of serving the 288 general aviation segment of the helicopter community. 289 The basic elements of a heliport include: 290

• clear approach/departure paths, 291 • clear area for ground maneuvers, 292 • final approach and takeoff area (FATO), 293 • touchdown and liftoff area (TLOF), 294 • safety area, and 295 • a wind cone. 296

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1.4 Planning. 297 This AC is a design document intended to assist engineers, architects, and city planners 298 to design, locate, and build a suitable heliport. While the heliport itself may be simple, 299 the planning and organization necessary to properly implement a heliport can present 300 challenges. Ensure proper consideration of the physical, technical, safety, and public 301 interest matters described in this document during the planning and establishment of a 302 heliport. 303

1.5 Existing Heliports. 304 Whenever a change or alteration to an existing heliport requires the submission of FAA 305 Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, or FAA Form 7480-1, 306 Notice of Landing Area Proposal, consider taking necessary actions, as practical, to 307 bring the heliport up to current design standards. Refer to paragraph 1.11.3 for 308 additional information. 309

1.6 Location. 310 The optimum location for a heliport is near the desired origination and/or destination of 311 the potential heliport users. Industrial, commercial, and business operations in urban 312 locations are demand generators for helicopter services, even though they often compete 313 for the limited ground space available. 314

1.6.1 Factors to Consider. 315 Heliport sites adjacent to a river, lake, railroad, freeway, or highway offer potential 316

for multi-functional land usage. 317 Locations that have the advantage of relatively unobstructed airspace and which 318

have properly enacted zoning can provide further protection from disruptive 319 encroachment. 320

Requirements for scheduled “airline-type” passenger services may necessitate the 321 development of an instrument procedure to permit “all-weather” service as helicopter 322 transportation becomes more prevalent. 323

1.7 AC Organization. 324 This AC covers general aviation heliports (including PPR heliports), transport heliports, 325 hospital heliports, and emergency landing facilities. Heliport proponent familiarity with 326 the terminology used in this specialized field is imperative. 327

https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/186273https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/186273https://www.faa.gov/forms/index.cfm/go/document.information/documentID/185334

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1.7.1 General Aviation Heliports. 328 The term “general aviation” is defined as “flights conducted by operators other than 14 329 CFR Part 121 or Part 135 certificate holders.”1 “General Aviation” refers to all 330 helicopter operations other than scheduled passenger service for the purposes of this 331 AC. Hospital heliports and emergency landing facilities fall under general aviation but 332 are treated separately in the AC due to their specific requirements. Most general 333 aviation heliports are privately owned although they can be publicly owned. 334

1.7.2 Transport Heliports. 335 Transport heliports will provide the community with a full range of services including 336 scheduled service by air carriers (airlines) using helicopters. These operations will call 337 for more extensive airside and landside infrastructure with the capability to operate in 338 instrument meteorological conditions. 339

1.7.3 Hospital Heliports. 340 Hospital heliports are general aviation heliports that provide a unique public service. 341 They are normally located close to the hospital emergency room or a medical facility. 342

1.7.4 Helicopter Facilities on Airports. 343 Consider developing separate facilities specifically for helicopter use when there are a 344 significant number of helicopter operations on an airport. Chapter 5 addresses helicopter 345 facilities on airports. 346

1.7.5 Instrument Operations. 347 Instrument approach procedures at heliports are practical since the introduction of the 348 global positioning system (GPS). Good planning suggests that heliport proponents plan 349 for the eventual development of instrument approaches to their heliports. Consider the 350 recommendations in Chapter 6 in contemplating future instrument operations at a 351 heliport during heliport site selection and design, even if the heliport will not initially 352 have instrument operations. 353

1.7.6 Heliport Gradients and Pavement Design. 354 Chapter 2 provides guidance on heliport gradients and pavement design issues. 355

1.7.7 Additional Information and Resources. 356 Additional information and resources are found in the Appendices as follows: 357

• Appendix A provides guidance on emergency helicopter landing facilities. 358 • Appendix B provides helicopter dimensional data. 359 • Appendix C provides guidance on the form, size and proportions of certain heliport 360

markings. 361

1Plane Sense General Aviation Information, U.S. Department of Transportation FAA-H-8083-19A, http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/media/faa-h-8083-19A.pdf

http://www.faa.gov/library/manuals/aviation/media/faa-h-8083-19A.pdf

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• Appendix D provides a list of associated publications and resources referenced in 362 this AC. 363

• Appendix E provides a heliport evaluation process flow chart. 364 • Appendix F provides design guidance on heliport lighting. 365

1.8 Explanation of Terms. 366 The Pilot/Controller Glossary of the Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) defines 367 terms used in the Air Traffic System. Copies of the AIM are available from the FAA 368 website https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/. Other terms used in this 369 publication follow: 370

1.8.1 Air Taxi. 371 Refers to helicopter taxi operations, typically below 100 feet above the surface, which 372 allows helicopter movement from one point to another. 373

1.8.2 Approach/Departure Path. 374 The flight track helicopters follow when landing at or departing from a heliport. The 375 approach/departure paths may be straight or curved. 376

1.8.3 Design Helicopter. 377 A single or composite helicopter that reflects the maximum weight, maximum contact 378 load/minimum contact area, overall length (D), rotor diameter (RD), tail rotor arc 379 radius, undercarriage dimensions, and pilot’s eye height of all helicopters expected to 380 operate at the heliport. 381

1.8.4 Overall Length (D). 382 The overall length of the helicopter, which is the dimension from the tip of the main or 383 forward rotor to the tip of the tail rotor, fin, or other rear-most point of the helicopter. 384 This value is with the rotors at their maximum extension. See Appendix B. If only the 385 value of the RD is known, estimate the value for D using the relationship D = 1.2 RD 386 (or conversely, RD = 0.83 D). 387

1.8.5 Design Loads. 388 Design and construct the TLOF and any load-bearing surfaces to support the loads 389 imposed by the design helicopter and any ground support vehicles and equipment. 390

1.8.5.1 Static Load. 391 For design purposes, the design static load is equal to the helicopter’s 392 maximum takeoff weight applied through the total contact area of the 393 wheels or skids. See paragraph 2.7.3.1. 394

1.8.5.2 Dynamic Load. 395 For design purposes, assume the dynamic load at 150 percent of the 396 maximum takeoff weight of the design helicopter applied through the main 397

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undercarriage on a wheel-equipped helicopter or aft contact areas of skid-398 equipped helicopter. See paragraph 2.7.3.2. 399

1.8.6 Elevated Heliport. 400 A heliport located on a rooftop or other elevated structure where the TLOF is at least 30 401 inches (76 cm) above the surrounding surface (a ground level heliport with the TLOF 402 on a mound is not an elevated heliport). 403

1.8.7 Emergency Helicopter Landing Facility (EHLF). 404 A clear area at ground level or on the roof of a building capable of accommodating 405 helicopters engaged in fire fighting and/or emergency evacuation operations. An EHLF 406 meets the definition of a heliport in this AC and under Title 14 CFR Part 157, Notice of 407 Construction, Alteration, Activation, and Deactivation of Airports. 408

1.8.8 Final Approach and Takeoff Area (FATO). 409 A defined area over which the pilot completes the final phase of the approach to a hover 410 or a landing and from which the pilot initiates takeoff. The FATO elevation is the 411 lowest elevation of the edge of the TLOF when co-located with the TLOF. The FATO 412 and TLOF are normally co-located but may be located separately. The FATO is 413 associated with all instrument approach/departure procedures. 414

1.8.9 Final Approach Reference Area (FARA). 415 An obstacle-free area with its center aligned on the final approach course. It is located at 416 the end of a precision instrument FATO. 417

1.8.10 Frangibly Mounted. 418 While there is no accepted standard for frangibility regarding helicopter operations, 419 remove all objects from a FATO and safety area except those of the lowest mass 420 practicable and frangibly mounted objects no higher than 2 inches above the TLOF 421 elevation, to the extent practicable. 422

1.8.11 General Aviation Heliport. 423 A heliport intended to accommodate individuals, corporations, helicopter air taxi 424 operators, and public safety agencies. For the purposes of this AC, “general aviation” 425 refers to all helicopter operations other than scheduled passenger service. Hospital 426 heliports and emergency landing facilities fall under general aviation but are treated 427 separately in the AC due to their specific requirements. 428

1.8.12 Ground Taxi. 429 The surface movement of a wheeled helicopter under its own power with wheels 430 touching the ground. 431

1.8.13 Hazard to Air Navigation. 432 An existing or proposed object that the FAA, as a result of an aeronautical study, 433 determines will have a substantial adverse effect upon the safe and efficient use of 434

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navigable airspace by helicopters and other aircraft, operation of air navigation 435 facilities, or existing or potential airport capacity. 436

1.8.14 Helipad. 437 A small, designated area, usually with a prepared surface, on a heliport, airport, 438 landing/takeoff area, apron/ramp, or movement area used for takeoff, landing, or 439 parking of helicopters. 440

1.8.15 Heliport. 441 An area of land, water, or structure used or intended to be used for helicopter landings 442 and takeoffs and includes associated buildings and facilities. 443

1.8.16 Heliport Elevation. 444 The highest elevation of all helicopter landing areas (TLOFs) within the heliport, 445 expressed as the distance above mean sea level. 446

1.8.17 Heliport Imaginary Surfaces. 447 The imaginary planes defined in 14 CFR Part 77, Safe, Efficient Use, and Preservation 448 of the Navigable Airspace, centered about the FATO and the approach/departure paths, 449 which are used to identify the objects where notice to and evaluation by the FAA is 450 required. Recommendations for mitigating possible obstructions to air navigation may 451 include realignment of approach/departure paths or removal, lowering, marking and 452 lighting of objects. 453

1.8.18 Heliport Layout Plan. 454 The plan of a heliport showing the layout of existing and proposed heliport facilities 455 including the approach/departure paths and dimensions of TLOF, FATO, and Safety 456 Area. 457

1.8.19 Heliport Protection Zone (HPZ). 458 An area off the end of the FATO and under the approach/departure path intended to 459 enhance the protection of people and property on the ground. 460

1.8.20 Heliport Reference Point (HRP). 461 The geographic position of the heliport expressed as the latitude and longitude at: 462

The center of the FATO, or the centroid of multiple FATOs, for heliports having 463 visual and non-precision instrument approach procedures; or 464

The center of the FARA when the heliport has a precision instrument procedure. 465

1.8.21 Helistop. 466 A term sometimes used to describe a minimally developed heliport for boarding and 467 discharging passengers or cargo. This AC does not use this term, as the design standards 468 and recommendations in this AC apply to all heliports. 469

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1.8.22 Hospital Heliport. 470 A heliport limited to serving helicopters transporting ambulatory (medical) patients, or 471 other hospital related functions. A designated helicopter landing area located at a 472 hospital or medical facility is a heliport and not a medical emergency site. 473

1.8.23 Hover Taxi. 474 The movement of a wheeled or skid-equipped helicopter above the surface, typically 475 used to move short distances from one point to another. Generally, this takes place at a 476 wheel/skid height of 1 to 5 feet (0.3 to 1.5 m) and at a ground speed of less than 20 477 knots (37 km/h). For facility design purposes, assume a skid-equipped helicopter to 478 hover-taxi. 479

1.8.24 In-Pavement Lights. 480 Where the term “in-pavement lights” is specified in this AC, interpret it as including in-481 ground lights. 482

1.8.25 Landing Position. 483 An area, normally located in the center of an elongated TLOF, on which the helicopter 484 lands. 485

1.8.26 Large Helicopter. 486 A helicopter with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 12,500 lbs. 487

1.8.27 Load-Bearing Area (LBA). 488 The portion of the FATO capable of supporting the dynamic load of the design 489 helicopter. 490

1.8.28 Medical Emergency Site. 491 An unprepared site at or near the scene of an accident or similar medical emergency on 492 which a helicopter may land to pick up a patient to provide emergency medical 493 transport. A medical emergency site is not a heliport as defined in this AC. 494

1.8.29 Medium Helicopter. 495 A helicopter with a maximum takeoff weight of more than 7,000 and up to 12,500 lbs. 496

1.8.30 Obstruction to Air Navigation. 497 Any fixed or mobile object, including a parked helicopter, of greater height than any of 498 the heights or surfaces presented in subpart C of Part 77. 499

1.8.31 Overall Helicopter Length (D). 500 See D, paragraph 1.8.4. 501

1.8.32 Parking Pad. 502 The center portion of a helicopter parking position, whether paved or grass. 503

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1.8.33 Prior Permission Required (PPR) Heliport. 504 A heliport developed for exclusive use of the owner and persons authorized by the 505 owner and about which the owner and operator ensure all authorized pilots are 506 thoroughly knowledgeable. These features include but are not limited to: 507

• approach/departure path characteristics 508 • preferred heading, facility limitations 509 • lighting 510 • obstacles in the area 511 • size and weight capacity of the facility. 512

1.8.34 Public Use Heliport. 513 A heliport available for use by the public without a requirement for prior approval of 514 the owner or operator. 515

1.8.35 Rotor Diameter (RD). 516 The length of the main rotor, from tip to tip. 517

1.8.36 Rotor Downwash. 518 The downward movement of air caused by the action of the rotating main rotor blades. 519 When this air strikes the ground or some other surface, it causes a turbulent outflow of 520 air from beneath the helicopter. 521

1.8.37 Safety Area. 522 A defined area on a heliport surrounding the FATO intended to reduce the risk of 523 damage to helicopters accidentally diverging from the FATO. 524

1.8.38 Shielded Obstruction. 525 A proposed or existing obstruction that does not need to be marked or lighted due to its 526 proximity to another obstruction whose highest point is at the same or higher elevation. 527

1.8.39 Shoulder Line. 528 A marking line perpendicular to a helicopter parking position centerline that is intended 529 to provide the pilot with a visual cue to assist in parking. 530

1.8.40 Small Helicopter. 531 A helicopter with a maximum takeoff weight of 7,000 lbs or less. 532

1.8.41 Tail Rotor Arc Radius. 533 The distance from the hub of the main rotor to the outermost tip of the tail rotor or the 534 rear-most point of the helicopter tail, whichever is farther. 535

1.8.42 Takeoff Position. 536 An area, normally located on the centerline and at the ends of an elongated TLOF, from 537 which the helicopter takes off. Typically, there are two such positions on an elongated 538 TLOF, one at each end. 539

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1.8.43 Taxi Route. 540 An obstruction-free corridor established for the movement of helicopters from one part 541 of a heliport/airport to another. A taxi route includes the taxiway plus the appropriate 542 clearances on both sides. 543

1.8.44 Taxiway. 544 A marked route between the TLOF and other areas on the heliport. This AC defines two 545 types of helicopter taxiways: 546

1.8.44.1 Ground Taxiway. 547 A taxiway intended to permit the surface movement of a wheeled 548 helicopter under its own power with wheels on the ground. The minimum 549 dimensions defined for a ground taxiway may not be adequate for hover 550 taxi. 551

1.8.44.2 Hover Taxiway. 552 A taxiway intended to permit the hover taxiing of a helicopter. 553

1.8.45 Touchdown and Liftoff Area (TLOF). 554 A load-bearing, generally paved, area normally centered in the FATO, on which the 555 helicopter performs a touchdown or liftoff. 556

1.8.46 Transport Heliport. 557 A heliport intended to accommodate air carrier operators providing scheduled service. 558

1.8.47 Touchdown/Positioning Circle (TDPC) Marking. 559 A circular marking located in the center of a TLOF or a parking position. When the 560 pilot’s seat is over the TDPC, the whole of the helicopter undercarriage will be within 561 the TLOF or parking position and all parts of the helicopter rotor system will be clear of 562 any obstacle by a safe margin. 563

1.8.48 Unshielded Obstruction. 564 A proposed or existing obstruction that may need to be marked or lighted since it is not 565 near another marked and lighted obstruction whose highest point is at the same or 566 higher elevation. 567

1.9 Selection of Approach/Departure Paths. 568 Design heliports to the extent practicable for two approach/departure paths. Consider 569 items such as the following in selecting the approach/departure paths: 570

1.9.1 Wind. 571 Well-designed approach/departure paths permit pilots to avoid downwind conditions 572 and minimize crosswind operations. Align the preferred flight approach/departure path, 573 to the extent feasible, with the predominant wind direction. Base other 574 approach/departure paths on the assessment of the prevailing winds or, when this 575

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information is not available, separate such flight paths and the preferred flight path by at 576 least 135 degrees. If it is not feasible to provide complete coverage of wind through 577 multiple approach/departure paths, operational limitations may be necessary under 578 certain wind conditions. See paragraph 2.12.1. 579

1.9.2 Obstructions. 580 In determining approach/departure paths, consider the obstructions near the heliport and 581 those likely to be a hazard to air navigation. See paragraph 1.11. 582

1.9.3 Environmental Impacts. 583 In environmentally sensitive areas, select the final approach/departure path(s) to 584 minimize any environmental impact, providing it does not decrease flight safety. See 585 paragraph 1.13. 586

1.10 Notification Requirements. 587 Part 157 sets requirements for persons proposing to construct, activate, deactivate, or 588 alter a heliport to give advance notice of their intent to the FAA. This includes but is not 589 limited to the following changes: 590

• changing the size or number of FATOs; 591 • adding, deleting, or changing an approach or departure route; 592 • change to a heliport status (for example, changing the heliport status from private to 593

public use or vice versa. 594 File FAA Form 7480-1 (see Figure 1-1) with the appropriate FAA Airports Regional or 595 District Office at least 90 days before construction, alteration, deactivation, or change 596 in use when notification is required. See the FAA Airports website at 597 https://www.faa.gov/airports/ for contact information. 598 Appendix E provides the general heliport evaluation process flow chart to be followed 599 by heliport proponents. 600

1.10.1 Draw the heliport layout plan to scale showing key dimensions, such as: 601

• heliport elevation 602 • TLOF size 603 • FATO size 604 • safety area size 605 • distance from safety area perimeter to property edges 606 • approach/departure paths showing locations of: 607

o buildings 608 o trees 609 o fences 610 o power lines 611 o obstructions (including elevations) 612 o schools 613 o churches 614

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o hospitals 615 o residential communities 616 o waste disposal sites 617 o other significant features, as specified on FAA Form 7480-1 and shown in 618

Figure 1-2. 619

1.10.2 The preferred type of heliport location map using current web-based satellite imagery. 620 Show the location of the heliport site and the approach/departure paths on the map. 621 Point out the heliport site on this map with an arrow. Indicate the latitude and longitude 622 of the proposed heliport in North American Datum of 1983 (NAD-83) coordinates. See 623 Figure 1-3. 624

Figure 1-1. FAA Form 7480-1, Notice for Construction, Alteration and 625 Deactivation of Airports 626

627 See online FAA Form 7480-1. 628

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Figure 1-2. Example of a Heliport Layout Plan 629

630 Draw heliport layout plan to scale with key dimensions and locations, including: 631

a. TLOF and FATO size 632 b. Safety area dimensions 633 c. Distances from the safety area perimeter to property boundaries, buildings, etc. 634 d. Site furnishings (bollards, signs, benches, and other site accessories) 635

See Chapter 2 for guidance on heliport facility sizes and shapes. 636

Heliport property line

Approach/departuresurfaceTLOF FATO Safety Area

Future helicopter parking

Auto parking area

Earhart Avenue

CityProperty

CityPropertyOffice

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Figure 1-3. Example of a Heliport Location Map 637

638 639

1.10.3 The FAA Role. 640 The FAA will conduct an aeronautical study of the proposed heliport under 14 CFR § 641 157.7, FAA Determinations. Part (a) of this section of the regulation states: 642

“The FAA will conduct an aeronautical study of an airport proposal and, after 643 consultations with interested persons, as appropriate, issue a determination to the 644 proponent and advise those concerned of the FAA determination. The FAA will 645 consider matters such as the effects the proposed action would have on existing or 646 contemplated traffic patterns of neighboring airports; the effects the proposed 647 action would have on the existing airspace structure and projected programs of 648 the FAA; and the effects that existing or proposed manmade objects (on file with 649 the FAA) and natural objects within the affected area would have on the airport 650 proposal. While determinations consider the effects of the proposed action on the 651 safe and efficient use of airspace by aircraft and the safety of persons and 652 property on the ground, the determinations are only advisory. Except for an 653 objectionable determination, each determination will contain a determination-654 void date to facilitate efficient planning of the use of the navigable airspace. A 655 determination does not relieve the proponent of responsibility for compliance with 656 any local law, ordinance or regulation, or state or other federal regulation. 657 Aeronautical studies and determinations will not consider environmental or land 658 use compatibility impacts.” 659

Heliport Approach/Departure Surface

Heliport

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1.10.4 Penalty for Failure to Provide Notice. 660 Persons who fail to give notice are subject to civil penalty under Title 49 United States 661 Code 46301, Civil Penalties, of not more than $25,000 (or $1,100 if the person is an 662 individual or small business concern). 663

1.10.5 Notice Exemptions. 664 Section 157.1, Applicability, exempts sites meeting one of the conditions below from 665 the requirement to submit notice. These exemptions do not negate a notice or formal 666 approval requirement prescribed by state law or local ordinance. For the purposes of 667 applying the Part 157 exemption criteria cited in (2) and (3) below, a landing and 668 associated takeoff is considered one operation. Section 157.1 projects are: 669

[A heliport] subject to conditions of a federal agreement that requires an approved 670 current heliport layout plan to be on file with the FAA, or 671

[A heliport] at which flight operations will be conducted under visual flight rules 672 (VFR) and which is used or intended to be used for a period of less than 30 673 consecutive days with no more than 10 operations per day. 674

The intermittent use of a site that is not an established airport, that is used or 675 intended to be used for less than 1 year, and at which flight operations will be 676 conducted only under VFR. For this part, “intermittent use of a site” means: 677 a. the site is used or is intended to be used for no more than 3 days in any one 678

week, and 679 b. no more than ten operations will be conducted in any one day at that site. 680

1.11 Hazards to Air Navigation. 681 Part 77 establishes requirements for notification to the FAA of objects that may affect 682 navigable airspace. See Figure 1-4 for examples of development requiring notice to the 683 FAA. 684 Part 77 sets standards for determining obstructions to navigable airspace and provides 685 for aeronautical studies of such obstructions to determine their effect on the safe and 686 efficient use of airspace. Part 77 applies only to the following: 687

public heliports and public airports; 688 airports operated by a federal agency or the Department of Defense; and 689 private airports and heliports with at least one FAA-approved instrument approach 690

procedure. 691

1.11.1 FAA Studies. 692

1.11.1.1 Part 77. 693 Part 77 defines objects that are obstructions to surfaces. Presume these 694 objects to be hazards to air navigation unless an FAA study determines 695 otherwise. The FAA conducts aeronautical studies to determine the 696

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physical and electromagnetic effect on the use of navigable airspace, air 697 navigational facilities, public airports and heliports, and private airports 698 and heliports with at least one FAA-approved instrument approach 699 procedure. The FAA encourages public agencies to enact zoning 700 ordinances to prevent man-made features from becoming hazards to 701 navigation. 702

1.11.1.2 Part 157. 703 FAA aeronautical studies performed under Part 157 establish standards 704 and notification requirements for anyone proposing to construct, alter, or 705 deactivate a civil or joint-use (civil/military) airport or heliport. This 706 regulation also addresses proposals that alter the status or use of airport or 707 heliport facilities. 708

1.11.2 Mitigation of Hazards. 709 You may mitigate the adverse effect of an object presumed or determined to be a hazard 710 by: 711

Removing the object. 712 Altering the object, for example, reducing its height. 713 Marking and/or lighting the object, provided an FAA aeronautical study has 714

determined that the object would not be a hazard to air navigation if it were marked 715 and/or lighted. Find guidance on marking and lighting objects in AC 70/7460-1, 716 Obstruction Marking and Lighting. 717

1.11.3 Notification Requirements. 718 Part 77 requires persons proposing certain construction or alteration to give 45-day 719 notice to the FAA of their intent. Use FAA Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed 720 Construction or Alteration, to provide notification. See https://oeaaa.faa.gov/ for more 721 information and to download FAA Form 7460-1. 722

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Figure 1-4. Offsite Development Requiring Notice to the FAA 723

724 Notice under Part 77 is required for all public-use heliports or private use heliports with at 725

least one FAA-approved instrument approach procedure. 726

Offsite Development Examples for Figure 1-4: 727 ① Building is less than 200 ft (61 m) in height, but top will penetrate the 25:1 surface 728 (notice required by § 77.9). 729 ② Antenna is over 200 ft (61 m) in height (notice is required by § 77.9(a)). 730 ③ Antenna is less than 200 ft (61 m) in height and penetrates the 25:1 surface (notice is 731 required by § 77.9(b)(3)). 732 ④ Construction crane penetrates 25:1 surface (notice is required by § 77.9(b)(3)). 733 ⑤ Building is less than 200 ft (61 m) in height and does not penetrate the 25:1 surface 734 (notice is not required). 735 ⑥ Building is more than 5,000 ft (1,525 m) from heliport (notice is required if building will 736 be 200 ft (61 m) or more in height). 737

1.11.4 Heliport Development Plans. 738 Future public heliport development plans and feasibility studies on file with the FAA 739 may influence the determinations resulting from Part 77 studies. Owners of public 740 heliports and owners of private heliports with FAA-approved instrument approach 741 procedures can ensure full consideration of future heliport development in Part 77 742 studies only when they file plans with the FAA. Ensure the coordinates and elevations 743 of planned FATO(s), approach/departure paths including their azimuths, and types of 744

1

23

6

5

4

200 ft[61 m]

5000 ft[1524 m]

Heliport Final Approach andTake off Area (FATO)

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approaches for any new FATO or modification of an existing FATO are included in 745 heliport plan data. 746

1.12 Federal Assistance. 747 The FAA administers a grant program that provides financial assistance to eligible 748 sponsors to develop a public use heliport. Information on federal aid program eligibility 749 requirements is available from FAA Airports Regional and District Offices and on the 750 FAA Airports website, www.faa.gov/airports. 751

1.13 Environmental Impact Analyses. 752 The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 requires the FAA to consider potential 753 environmental impacts prior to agency decision making, including, for example, the 754 decision to fund or approve a project, plan, license, permit, certification, rulemaking, or 755 operations specification. Actions that may warrant an environmental review are 756 normally associated with federal grants or airport layout plan approvals leading to the 757 construction of a new heliport or significant expansion of an existing heliport. 758

1.13.1 Environmental Review Items. 759 An environmental review addresses noise, historic and cultural resources, wildlife, 760 energy conservation, land usage, air quality, water quality, pollution prevention, light 761 emissions and other visual effects, and other public health and safety issues. The 762 review evaluates the “no action” alternative and a reasonable range of feasible 763 alternatives, including mitigation not included in the initial alternative. The review will 764 also describe actions taken to ensure public involvement in the planning process. An 765 opportunity for a public hearing may be required for the federally funded development 766 of, or significant improvement to, an existing heliport. 767

1.13.2 Guidance. 768 FAA Order 1050.1, Polices and Procedures for Considering Environmental Impacts, 769 FAA Order 5050.4, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Implementing 770 Instructions for Airport Projects, and other supplemental guidance from FAA Air 771 Traffic and Flight Standards provide guidance on environmental impact analysis. 772 Contact state and local governments, including metropolitan planning organizations and 773 local transit agencies, directly as they may also necessitate an environmental report. The 774 procedures in AC 150/5020-1, Noise Control and Compatibility Planning for Airports, 775 describe a means of assessing the noise impact. Contact the appropriate FAA Airports 776 Regional or District Office for current information related to assessing noise impact of 777 heliports. Proponents of non-federally assisted heliports work with local governmental 778 authorities concerning environmental issues. 779

1.14 Terminal Facilities Design Considerations. 780 A heliport terminal provides curbside access for passengers using private autos, 781 taxicabs, and public transit vehicles. Public waiting areas need the usual amenities, and 782

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a counter for rental car services may be desirable. Design passenger auto parking areas 783 to accommodate current requirements, with the ability to expand them to meet future 784 requirements. Readily available public transportation may reduce the requirement for 785 employee and service personnel auto parking spaces. Build attractive and functional 786 heliport terminal buildings or sheltered waiting areas. Guidance on designing terminal 787 facilities is provided in AC 150/5360-9, Planning and Design of Airport Terminal 788 Building Facilities at Non-Hub Locations. 789 At PPR heliports, the number of people using the facility may be so small that there is 790 no need for a terminal building, and minimal needs for other facilities and amenities. 791

1.14.1 Security – TRANSPORT Heliports. 792 Unless screening was carried out at the helicopter passengers’ departure location, 793 Transportation Security Administration regulations may require that a screening area 794 and/or screening be provided before passengers enter the airport’s secured areas. If 795 needed, provide multiple helicopter parking positions and/or locations in the terminal 796 area to service helicopter passenger and/or cargo interconnecting needs. Find 797 information about passenger screening at the Transportation Security Administration 798 website (https://www.tsa.gov/public/). 799

1.15 Zoning for Compatible Land Use. 800 The FAA encourages all heliport operators to promote the adoption of the following 801 zoning measures where state and local statutes permit to ensure the heliport will 802 continue to be available and to protect the investment in the facility. 803

1.15.1 Zoning to Limit Building/Object Heights. 804 Find general guidance on drafting an ordinance that would limit building and object 805 heights in AC 150/5190-4, A Model Zoning Ordinance to Limit Height of Objects 806 Around Airports. Substitute the heliport surfaces for the airport surfaces described in the 807 model ordinance. 808

1.15.2 Zoning for Compatible Land Use. 809 The FAA encourages public agencies to enact zoning ordinances to control the use of 810 property within the HPZ and the approach/departure path environment, restricting 811 activities to those that are compatible with helicopter operations. See paragraph 2.13. 812

1.15.3 Air Rights and Property Easements. 813 Use air rights and property easements as options to prevent the encroachment of 814 obstacles near a heliport. 815

1.16 Access to Heliports by Individuals with Disabilities. 816 Congress has passed various laws concerning access to airports. Since heliports are a 817 type of airport, these laws are similarly applicable. Find guidance in AC 150/5360-14, 818 Access to Airports by Individuals with Disabilities. 819

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1.17 State Role. 820 Many state departments of transportation, aeronautical commissions, or similar 821 authorities require prior approval and, in some instances, a license for the establishment 822 and operation of a heliport. Several states administer a financial assistance program like 823 the federal program and are staffed to provide technical advice. Contact your respective 824 state aeronautics commissions or departments for specifics on licensing and assistance 825 programs. Contact information for state aviation agencies is available at 826 https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/state_aviation. 827

1.18 Local Role. 828 Some communities have enacted zoning laws, building codes, fire regulations, etc., that 829 can affect heliport establishment and operation. Some have or are in the process of 830 developing codes or ordinances regulating environmental issues such as noise and air 831 pollution. A few localities have enacted specific rules governing the establishment of a 832 heliport. Therefore, make early contact with officials or agencies representing the local 833 zoning board, the fire, police, or sheriff's department, and elected personnel who 834 represent the area where the heliport is to be located. 835

1.19 Related Referenced Material. 836 Find a list of associated publications and references in Appendix D. 837

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Page Intentionally Blank 838

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CHAPTER 2. Heliport Design 839

2.1 General. 840 This chapter provides guidance on the design of heliports. There are three types of 841 heliports. GENERAL AVIATION, TRANSPORT, and HOSPITAL. Figure 2-1, Figure 842 2-2, and Figure 2-3 show basic features of these three heliport types. This chapter 843 provides general heliport design guidance and also highlights any differences in design 844 elements between the types of heliports. 845

2.1.1 GENERAL AVIATION. 846 A GENERAL AVIATION heliport services helicopters used by individuals, 847 corporations, helicopter air taxi services, air tour, and law enforcement. Some 848 GENERAL AVIATION heliports are publicly owned, however, most are privately 849 owned. 850

2.1.2 TRANSPORT. 851 A TRANSPORT heliport services air carrier operators providing scheduled service, or 852 unscheduled service with large helicopters. 853

2.1.3 HOSPITAL. 854 A HOSPITAL heliport services helicopters used by Helicopter Air Ambulance. A 855 HOSPITAL heliport may be designed to accommodate large military helicopters in 856 some emergencies. Air Ambulance helicopters are often used to transport injured 857 persons from the scene of an accident to a hospital and to transfer patients from one 858 hospital to another. 859

2.2 Prior Permission Required (PPR) Facilities. 860 As PPR heliports are never eligible for federal financial assistance, do not interpret any 861 recommendation in this AC that is not required by federal law or regulation as 862 mandatory for PPR heliports. Recommendations for PPR heliports are provided in 863 recognition of the specific nature of these heliport facilities where the operator ensures 864 that pilots are thoroughly familiar with the heliport, its procedures, and any facility 865 limitations. 866

2.3 Design Approach. 867 The design standards in this chapter assume that there will never be more than one 868 helicopter within the final approach and takeoff area (FATO) and the associated safety 869 area. A TLOF can be located within the FATO or outside the FATO as described in 870 paragraph 2.7. 871

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2.4 Access by Individuals with Disabilities. 872 Various laws require heliports operated by public entities and those receiving federal 873 financial assistance to meet accessibility requirements. See paragraph 1.16. 874

Figure 2-1. GENERAL AVIATION Heliport - Basic Features 875

876 Locate the wind cone outside of the Safety Area. Ensure that wind cone will not interfere with the 877

approach/departure path or transitional surface. 878 See Chapter 4 for guidance on heliport markings. 879

Approach/departuresurfaceTLOF FATO Safety Area

Wind cone

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Figure 2-2. TRANSPORT Heliport -- Basic Features 880

881 Locate the wind cone outside of the Safety Area. Ensure that wind cone will not interfere with the 882

approach/departure path or transitional surface. 883 See Chapter 4 for guidance on heliport markings. 884

Approach/departuresurfaceTLOF FATO Safety Area

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Figure 2-3. HOSPITAL Heliport (Ground-Level) – Basic Features 885

886 Locate the security fence and wind cone outside of the Safety Area. Ensure that wind cone will 887

not interfere with the approach/departure path or transitional surface. 888 See Chapter 4 for guidance on heliport markings. 889

2.5 Heliport Site Selection. 890

2.5.1 Long-term Planning. 891 The FAA encourages public agencies and others planning to develop a GENERAL 892 AVIATION, TRANSPORT, or HOSPITAL heliport to consider the possible future 893 need for instrument operations and facility expansion. Consider any current or future 894 potential use by military helicopters that may be used in disaster relief efforts during 895 planning for HOSPITAL heliports. 896

Security Fence

Approach/departuresurfaceTLOF FATO Safety Area

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2.5.2 Property Requirements. 897 The property needed for GENERAL AVIATION and TRANSPORT heliports is 898 dependent upon the volume and types of users, size of helicopters, and the scope of 899 amenities provided for each type of heliport facility. Property requirements for 900 helicopter operators and for passenger amenities frequently exceed the property needed 901 for “airside” purposes. The area needed for heliport or helipad operations may be as 902 simple as a cleared area on the ground, a wind cone, and a clear approach/departure path 903 for day heliport operations. 904

2.5.3 Turbulence. 905 Air flowing around and over buildings, stands of trees, terrain irregularities, etc., can 906 create turbulence on ground-level and roof-top heliports that may affect helicopter 907 operations. Assess the turbulence and airflow characteristics near, and across the 908 surface of the FATO to determine if an air gap between the roof, roof parapet or 909 supporting structure, and/or some other turbulence mitigating design measure is 910 necessary. Perform this assessment where the FATO is located near the edge and top of 911 a building or structure, or within the influence of turbulent wakes from other buildings 912 or structures. FAA Technical Report FAA/RD-84/25, Evaluating Wind Flow around 913 Buildings on Heliport Placement, addresses the wind’s effect on helicopter operations. 914 Take the following actions in selecting a site to minimize the effects of turbulence as 915 described in paragraphs below. 916

2.5.3.1 Ground-Level Heliports. 917 Proximity of buildings, trees, and other large objects to ground-level 918 heliports can cause air turbulence and affect helicopter operations. Locate 919 the landing and takeoff area away from such objects to minimize air 920 turbulence near the FATO and the approach/departure paths. 921

2.5.3.2 Elevated Heliports. 922 Establishing a 6-foot (1.8 m) or more air gap on all sides above the level of 923 the roof will generally minimize the turbulent effect of air flowing over the 924 roof edge. If an air gap is included in the elevated heliport design, keep it 925 free of objects that would obstruct the airflow. Where it is impractical to 926 include an air gap or other turbulence mitigating design measures, 927 operational limitations may be necessary under certain wind conditions. 928

2.5.4 Electromagnetic Effects. 929 Nearby electromagnetic devices, such as a large ventilator motor, elevator motor, 930 magnetic resonance imaging machine (MRI), or other devices that consume large 931 amounts of electricity may cause temporary abnormalities in the helicopter magnetic 932 compass and interfere with other onboard navigational equipment. Be alert to the 933 location of any MRI with respect to a hospital heliport. A warning sign alerting pilots 934 to the presence of an MRI is recommended. Take steps to inform pilots of the locations 935 of MRIs and other similar equipment. For additional information, see FAA Technical 936 Report FAA/RD-92/15, Potential Hazards of Magnetic Resonance Imagers to 937 Emergency Medical Service Helicopter Services. 938

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2.6 TLOF/FATO and Safety Area Relationships. 943 The relationship, minimum dimensions, and separation distances of the TLOF, FATO 944 and safety area are shown in Figure 2-4 and Table 2-1. A heliport consists of the 945 following: 946

A FATO contains only one TLOF. A TLOF is typically located within a FATO but 947 can be located outside of the FATO. See paragraph 2.7.1. 948 A safety area which surrounds the FATO. 949 Approach/departure surfaces to allow safe approaches to and departures from a 950 heliport landing sites. 951

Figure 2-4. TLOF/FATO/Safety Area Relationships and Minimum Dimensions 952

953 For a circular TLOF and FATO, dimensions A, B, C, and E refer to diameters. 954 For a square TLOF and FATO, all sides of the TLOF and FATO have equal length (i.e., 955 dimension E = dimension C and dimension A = dimension B). 956 For a rectangular TLOF and FATO, dimension E ≠ dimension C and dimension A ≠ dimension B. 957

B

G

E

CA

F

TLOF FATO Safety Area

Circular, see note 1

Square, see note 2

Rectangle, see note 3

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Table 2-1. TLOF/FATO Minimum Dimensions1 958

Dim Item GA TRANSPORT HOSPITAL A TLOF Length 1 RD 1 RD but not less than

50 ft (15 m) 1 RD but not less than 40 ft (12 m)

B TLOF Width 1 RD 1 RD but not less than 50 ft (15 m)

1 RD but not less than 40 ft (12 m)

C FATO Length 2 1 ½ D 2 RD but not less than 200 ft (60 m)

1 ½ D

E FATO Width 1 ½ D 2 RD but not less than 100 ft (30 m)

1 ½ D

F Separation between TLOF and FATO perimeters3

¾ D – ½ RD ¾ D – ½ RD ¾ D – ½ RD

G Safety Area Width See Table 2-4 ½ RD but not less than 30 ft (9 m)

See Table 2-5

See paragraph 2.7.2 for additional guidance. 959 See paragraph 2.8.5 for adjustments for heliport elevations above 1000′ MSL. 960 Confirm minimum separation between TLOF and FATO is maintained when the TLOF 961

dimensions are adjusted. 962

2.7 Touchdown and Liftoff Area (TLOF). 963

2.7.1 TLOF Location. 964 TLOFs are located per the following guidelines: 965

Heliport TLOFs can be located at ground level, on elevated structures, and at 966 rooftop level. 967

Every heliport will have at least one TLOF. A TLOF can be located within the 968 FATO or outside the FATO. When the TLOF is located outside of the FATO, 969 provide additional taxi route and/or hover taxi capability. See Figure 3-4. 970

When the TLOF is located within the FATO, the TLOF is centered within the 971 FATO and along the major axis of the FATO, centered within the load-bearing area 972 (LBA) and designed for dynamic loads. 973

As an option, TLOFs can be co-located with heliport stands outside of the FATO, 974 as shown in Figure 3-4. These TLOFs are designed for static load-bearing. For 975 TLOFs located outside of a FATO, ensure that there are no buildings or other 976 obstacles in the vicinity of the TLOF that could cause turbulence or difficulties with 977 helicopter maneuvering in crosswind conditions. 978

At a PPR heliport rooftop or other PPR elevated facility, where the entire FATO is 979 not load-bearing, locating the TLOF in an LBA that is as large as possible may 980 provide some operational advantages. Locate the TLOF in the center of the LBA in 981 this case. 982

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2.7.2 TLOF Size and Shape. 983 The TLOF size is a function of the heliport type and rotor diameter RD of the design 984 helicopter. A rectangular TLOF provides the pilot with better alignment cues than a 985 circular shape, but a circular TLOF may be more recognizable in an urban environment. 986 Increasing the TLOF and the size of the LBA centered on the TLOF may provide 987 enhanced safety and operational advantages. See Figure 2-4 and Table 2-1. 988

2.7.2.1 TLOF Size. 989 The size of the TLOF is shown in Table 2-1. Design considerations 990 include: 991

For Elevated Public GENERAL AVIATION Heliport and Elevated 992 HOSPITAL Heliports, if the FATO is not load-bearing, increase the 993 minimum width, length or diameter of the TLOF to the D of the design 994 helicopter. 995

At PPR facilities, if only a portion of the TLOF is paved, design the 996 TLOF so the minimum length and width of this paved portion is not 997 less than two times the maximum dimension (length or width) of the 998 undercarriage of the design helicopter. Locate the center of the TLOF 999 in the center of this paved portion. 1000

For HOSPITAL heliports, the minimum TLOF size is 40 ft × 40 ft. 1001 At PPR rooftop or elevated facilities, locate the center of the LBA of 1002

the TLOF in the center of the FATO when the TLOF is located inside 1003 and in the center of the FATO. Design the minimum dimension of the 1004 TLOF to be at least the smaller of the RD and two times the maximum 1005 dimension (length or width) of the undercarriage of the design 1006 helicopter when the following two conditions are: 1007 a. the height of the TLOF surface above the adjacent ground or 1008

structure is no greater than 30 inches (76 cm), 1009 b. there is a solid adjacent ground or structure equal to the RD able to 1010

support 20 lbs/sq ft (98 kg/sq m) live load. 1011 Consider the specified facility requirements for heliports where 1012

helicopter flight manuals specify the minimum size required for 1013 operations. 1014

2.7.2.2 TLOF Shape. 1015 For GENERAL AVIATION and HOSPITAL heliports, TLOFs may 1016

be square, rectangular or circular. 1017 For TRANSPORT heliports, the TLOF is square or rectangular. 1018

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2.7.3 TLOF Design Loads. 1019

2.7.3.1 Static Loads. 1020 Design and construct the TLOF and any load-bearing surfaces to support 1021 the weight of the design helicopter and any ground support vehicles. For 1022 design purposes, the design static load is equal to the helicopter’s 1023 maximum takeoff weight applied through the total contact area of the 1024 wheels or skids. Contact helicopter manufacturers to obtain the contact 1025 area for the specific helicopters of interest. 1026 Loads are applied through the contact area of the tires for wheel-equipped 1027 helicopters or the contact area of the skid for skid equipped helicopters. 1028 See Appendix B for helicopter weights, landing gear configurations, and 1029 helicopter dimensional data. 1030

2.7.3.2 Dynamic Loads. 1031 Design elevated TLOFs and any TLOF supporting structure to be capable 1032 of supporting the dynamic loads of the design helicopter. See paragraph 1033 2.7.7.2. A dynamic load of 0.2 second or less duration may occur during a 1034 hard landing. For design purposes, assume dynamic loads at 150 percent of 1035 the takeoff weight of the design helicopter. When specific loading data is 1036 not available, assume 75 percent of the weight of the design helicopter to 1037 be applied equally through the contact area of the rear two rear wheels (or 1038 the pair rear wheels of a dual-wheel configuration) of a wheel-equipped 1039 helicopter. For a skid equipped helicopter, assume 75 percent of the weight 1040 of the design helicopter to be applied equally through the aft contact areas 1041 of the two skids of a skid-equipped helicopter. (See Figure 2-12.) Contact 1042 manufacturers to obtain the aft contact area for specific helicopters of 1043 interest. 1044

2.7.3.3 Rotor Loads. 1045 Rotor downwash loads are approximately equal to the weight of the 1046 helicopter distributed uniformly over the disk area of the rotor. Rotor 1047 downwash loads are generally less than the loads specified in building 1048 codes for snow, rain, or wind loads typically used in structural design 1049 calculations. 1050

2.7.4 TLOF Pavement and Surface Characteristics. 1051 General surface characteristics and pavement guidelines include: 1052

Provide either a paved or aggregate-turf surface for the TLOF (see AC 150/5370-1053 10, Standards for Specifying Construction of Airports, items P-217, Aggregate-Turf 1054 Pavement and P-501, Portland Cement Concrete Pavement). 1055

Use Portland cement concrete (PCC) when feasible for ground-level facilities. An 1056 asphalt surface is less desirable for heliports as it may rut under the wheels or skids 1057 of a parked helicopter. This has been a factor in some rollover accidents. 1058

https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.current/documentNumber/150_5370-10https://www.faa.gov/airports/resources/advisory_circulars/index.cfm/go/document.current/documentNumber/150_5370-10

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Use a roughened pavement finish to provide a skid-resistant surface for helicopters 1059 and non-slippery footing for people. 1060

Design the paved portion to dynamic load-bearing where only a portion of the 1061 TLOF is paved for PPR heliports. Design the adjacent ground or structure of the 1062 TLOF for the static loads of the design helicopter. 1063

To avoid unstable risk factors such as dynamic rollovers, match the transition 1064 elevations between the paved and unpaved portions of the TLOF. 1065

2.7.5 TLOF Gradients. 1066 To ensure positive drainage of the entire TLOF area, design the TLOF to have a 1067 negative gradient between 0.5 percent and 2 percent for GENERAL AVIATION and 1068 HOSPITAL heliports. For TRANSPORT heliports, design the TLOF to have a 1069 longitudinal gradient between 0.5 and 1 percent and a transverse gradient between 0.5 1070 and 1.5 percent. Grade the entire TLOF to provide positive drainage. See Figure 2-5. 1071

Figure 2-5. Heliport Gradients and Rapid Runoff Shoulder 1072

1073 See paragraph 2.7.5 for specific gradient standards for HOSPITAL, GENERAL AVIATION, and 1074

TRANSPORT heliports. 1075 Slope direction based on the topography of the site. 1076 Grade the TLOF, FATO and safety area to provide positive drainage of the entire area for the 1077

TLOF, FATO and safety area. 1078 Stabilize FATO non-load-bearing surfaces. 1079

FATO

ShoulderTLOF

Safetyarea

-0.5% to -2% grade

Pavement

Base course2:1 Max

-1.5% to -5% grade

-3% to -5% grade

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2.7.6 Elongated TLOF and FATO. 1080

2.7.6.1 An elongated TLOF and FATO can provide an increased safety margin 1081 and greater operational flexibility. This enhanced safety is particularly 1082 relevant during emergency landings as the